This course explores the science of forest ecology, the human dimensions of forest management, and the interplay between ecology and management in Vermont and across the globe. We will start with the subject of forest ecology, including topics such as biophysical controls on forest communities, forest development and succession, dendrochronology (also known as tree-ring dating), and field data collection and interpretation. As we consider the use of forest resources, we will cover topics such as historical and current approaches to forest management planning and implementation, inventory tools such as silviculture, diverse harvesting methods, and both local and global forest economies. We will explore these topics in a variety of natural communities and at a variety processing locations such as log landings and sawmills. Given that private forestland owners play a key role in management decisions regarding forests, we will work directly with local landowners to better understand the forest management process.